The GINGKO Encounter Grant Program provides up to £3,000 to fund projects fostering intercultural and interfaith understanding between the MENA region and the West. Grants support events, exchanges, and workshops that promote mutual learning, dialogue, and collaboration. Projects must be completed within two years and include clear outcomes, financial accountability, and acknowledgment of GINGKO support.

GINGKO Encounter Grant Program

The GINGKO Foundation invites applications for its Encounter Grant Program, designed to foster mutual understanding, dialogue, and collaboration between communities in the MENA region and the West. This program prioritizes projects led by individuals with MENA heritage or based in MENA, collaborative initiatives with Western partners, and projects in underfunded regions.

Program Objectives

• Promote intercultural and interfaith understanding

• Encourage collaborative leadership between MENA and Western communities

• Support projects in regions with limited financial resources for dialogue initiatives

• Facilitate meaningful engagement and mutual learning between participants

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants

• Individuals or teams leading projects in intercultural or interfaith engagement

• Priority given to applicants from the MENA region or with MENA heritage

• Collaborative projects involving leaders from both MENA and the West

• Projects in under-resourced areas or countries

Project Focus

• Scriptural reasoning gatherings across Abrahamic faiths

• Educational exchanges between students from MENA and the West

• Workshops or activities fostering dialogue between ethnic, cultural, or religious groups

• Initiatives promoting long-term mutual understanding and community impact

Funding Details

• Grant amount: Up to £3,000 per award, up to three awards annually

• Eligible expenses:

  • Event and technology costs

  • Travel and accommodation

  • Marketing and communications

  • General operational costs

  • Up to 33% of the grant for small fees to organizers or contributors

• Ineligible costs: Salaries beyond small fees, unrelated overheads, and personal living costs

Project Requirements

• Projects must directly engage participants from both MENA and the West

• Clearly defined outcomes with measurable impact

• Projects expected to be completed within two years

• Grant acknowledgment required in all related publications or materials

• Submission of a final report (750–1000 words) within two months of project completion, including:

  • Results and evaluation of objectives

  • Financial accounts

  • Optional participant impact survey and photographs

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Proposal

• Include project overview, objectives, methodology, and timeline

• Provide a comprehensive budget detailing all project costs and allocation of GINGKO funds

• Submit a financial need statement demonstrating that the project cannot proceed without the grant

Step 2: Obtain References

• Two professional references required by 6 April (UK time)

• At least one referee must have relevant professional experience with the applicant

• Academic projects require at least one academic referee

• References must be submitted via official or work email accounts

Step 3: Submit Application

• Compile proposal, budget, references, and supporting documents according to GINGKO guidelines

• Submit through the official application portal

Evaluation Criteria

• Project quality, feasibility, and appropriateness of cost

• Clarity of expected outcomes and project schedule

• Applicant qualifications and experience

• Strength and relevance of references

• Potential impact and effectiveness in fostering intercultural understanding

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize collaboration between MENA and Western participants

• Clearly define expected outcomes and evaluation methods

• Justify financial need and ensure budget clarity

• Include plans for collecting participant feedback and documenting impact

• Prepare referees well in advance to meet the deadline

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the GINGKO Encounter Grant?

Individuals or teams leading intercultural or interfaith projects, with priority for those from the MENA region or with MENA heritage.

2. What types of projects are supported?

Events, exchanges, workshops, and dialogues that promote mutual understanding between MENA and Western communities.

3. What costs are eligible?

Event and technology costs, travel, accommodation, marketing, operational costs, and small organizer/contributor fees (up to one-third of the grant).

4. Can salaries or living costs be funded?

No, the grant does not cover salaries beyond small fees for organizers or contributors.

5. What is the project duration?

Projects must be completed within two years from the grant award.

6. What reporting is required?

A final report of 750–1000 words within two months, including results, outcomes, financial accounts, and optional surveys or photos.

7. When is the application deadline?

Professional references and applications must be submitted by 6 April (UK time).

Conclusion

The GINGKO Encounter Grant Program provides a unique opportunity to foster meaningful dialogue and understanding between the MENA region and the West. By supporting well-designed, collaborative projects, the program strengthens intercultural connections, empowers emerging leaders, and encourages mutual learning across communities globally.